Maori Land and Volcanoes

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ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND

Also called the “City of Sails”, Auckland is, with 1.5 million inhabitants the largest city in New Zealand. The quality of life is incomparable, the city is very extensive and enjoys a long cultural and sports heritage. 48 volcanic cones are scattered in the agglomeration and there are also about 50 islets scattered in the bay. It is also the only city in the world to be bordered by two distinct oceans.

• Arrival at Auckland International Airport.
• Transfer by private car to your hotel.
• Free afternoon in Auckland to rest and enjoy the city.

Suggestions:

• The colonial villages of Parnell, Ponsonby and Devonport.
• The Auckland Museum for an introduction to Maori and Polynesian culture and the natural history of New Zealand.
• Mount Eden, extinct volcano with beautiful views of the city.
• Cruise on Auckland Bay.
• Discover the island of Waiheke and its famous vineyards.
• Visit the spectacular “Sky Tower”, the largest tower in the Southern Hemisphere.

AUCKLAND – ROTORUA 234 KM – 3H15

Rotorua is undoubtedly one of the most touristic areas of the North Island. Located in the heart of one of the most active volcanic zones of the planet, it is known for its thermal activities, its lake, and its numerous tourist attractions but also for its smell of very strong sulphur. Rotorua is also the heart of Maori culture as reflected by many cultural shows, craft shops and traditional villages.

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Take the Car rental in unlimited mileage at the rental agency in the city centre.
• Head towards Rotorua.

DAY 3

ROTORUA

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Free day to explore the attractions of the area.
• In the evening, Maori Cultural Performance and Hangi Dinner (typical feast with stewed cooking on hot stones) in Tamaki Village (Included).

Suggestions:

• Discover the old Rotorua and the Maori district of Ohinemutu, stroll along the lake of Rotorua.
• A stroll through the Gardens, where the Rotorua Museum is also located.
• Visit of the reserve of Te Puia, its geysers, and the institute of arts and crafts Maori.
• Discover the Village of Whakarewarewa, and walk through the very interesting thermal reserve with its fumaroles and boiling mud.
• Relaxation in Polynesian baths.
• Rainbow Springs and The Kiwi Encounter to learn more about the fauna and flora of the country.
• Fly over the area by seaplane or helicopter to see the geothermal and volcanic activity of the area.

DAY 4

ROTORUA – TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK 205 KM – 3H

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Head towards south to Lake Taupo, a charming little town on the shores of the largest lake in the country.
• En route, visit the geothermal reserve of Wai-O-Tapu (Inclus), with its geysers and bubbling springs and acid lakes in pastel colors. Do not miss the eruption of the geyser Lady Knox at 10:15.
• Continue to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.

Fun Fact:

The area of the Tongariro plateau volcanoes has been made world famous by the films of the Lord of the Rings filmed there (Mt Ngauruhoe was the “Mountain of Destiny.” Tongariro is the oldest national park in the country and consists of three active volcanoes. The last eruption (hydrothermal, followed by a lahar) of Mt Ruapehu took place in 2007. The plateau also presents a lunar landscape of lava flows, rocky desert, peaceful lakes and beech forests

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK – AUCKLAND 350 KM – 5H

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• At your convenience, return to Auckland.
• En route, you are advised to make a stop in Waitomo to visit the caves, a group of wineries and tunnels which follow the underground river and whose vaults are illuminated by thousands of shiny worms (not included).
• Arrival in Auckland in the afternoon.
• Settle at the hotel.

AUCKLAND AND DEPARTURE

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Go to the airport to return your car and take your return flight.

This is the end of your unforgettable stay in New Zealand.